Some changes are still to be made, but a small sketch of the design for a banner for Slatedale is complete. Robert Stettner of Future Focus said the design will soon be available in two proof versions for the local people to make a choice. Downtown Graphics of North Carolina has the contract for the printing.

The commercial design classes at Kutztown hold a Design-a-thon each year where students offer free artwork and/or brochure designs for non-profits. It was decided to "let the kids take a crack at it."Two years ago the group was given information about Slatedale and the slate industry. They looked up more information on the Internet.Changes planned are to change the words "slate mining" to slate quarrying since mining does not describe the work done in the Slatedale area. The date for the founding of Slatedale will be changed from 1856 to 1857 on the design, and the date is a pale blue that blends in with the background and will be changed to white.Behind the building, which is not representative of any real building, is a slate field and derricks used in quarrying.Although Slatedale people at a basket social on April 24 were unhappy because the banners would only be hung in three blocks, Stettner said that isn't a firm decision and it might start at the fire company. They are "looking into the poles with PPL."Brenda Blose was disappointed that more people did not contribute when Future Focus was looking for sponsors. There were 11, mostly by private people, and Stettner was satisfied with the number.People who made donations will be honored on a plaque in the township building.Brenda Horn wanted a banner at the fire company which is now seen as a possibility. Everyone from Slatedale who was asked is in favor of the idea of installing banners.Although no one can say "I will give a contribution if the banner is in front of my house," Stettner said they will be as close to residences as possible for contributors.The idea began with Slatington in 2004 when it was included on the National Register of Historic Places. Slatington and Walnutport decided banners could make the community more interesting.Stettner has driven through the Slate Belt towns near Bangor and Wind Gap and thought, "We're the only Slate Belt community without banners and so I pushed for them."Slatington was the first to hang banners in 2005 and two or three years ago they went up in Walnutport. Attention turned to Washington Township and especially Slatedale since it is the largest village.A grant has to be used by June and there is a commitment from the township for funding.Once hung, the banners will be up from April through November.